Kaolin Clay

White clay, Kaolinite, China clay, French Green clay—this ingredient has such a long history of use in so many different industries that it has a whole slew of common names.

The main component of kaolin, as we call it, is the mineral kaolinite. It is mined all over the planet from China to Europe to the US. Pure kaolinite is bright white, though Kaolin Clay often has other minerals present that add slight coloration to the clay, most often it has a pinkish hue from iron oxide or a greenish color from decomposing plant material. In general, the brighter white the Kaolin Clay, the better quality it is considered.

Because of its abundance as a mineral all over the world and it’s beautiful bright quality, kaolin is thought to have been used as one of the first clays used to make pottery by our ancestors. The other historical uses of this clay involve health and beauty.

In fact, Kaolin Clay has proven itself to be useful for every part of our evolution. We still use it in pottery, health, and beauty but it’s even found its way into the paper industry. A thin layer is often brushed on as a final coating for paper to give it a smooth texture and bright white color.

We’re not sure how it’s possible that such a versatile and safe ingredient exists, and in such abundance at that, but it does and we’re thrilled that we’ll be introducing it in our up and coming product!

External uses of Kaolin

When we find pure elements that we know were used by the ancients, we always wonder, “how did they figure out to use that?” This time, we imagine a potter, hands covered in the wet clay—maybe even mixing up some working clay from the dry mineral and adding a bit too much water. A little bug lands on her cheek and she reaches up instinctively to brush it away, spreading some of the clay across her face. Later on, she scrubs it off and her face is soft and beautiful in that spot. Tah-da! A new beauty ingredient was discovered. Since then, it has been used in cleansers, shampoos, toothpastes, and beauty products abound; we even use it in our Kaolin Micro Exfoliant. Here are just some of the benefits:

CLEANSES AND DETOXIFIES
Kaolin gently cleanses and pulls impurities from the pores without causing redness.

HELPS WITH OILY SKIN
Kaolin is absorbent so it absorbs excess oils and it can help balance the oil production when it’s used over time.

EXFOLIATES
Because it doesn’t completely dissolve in water and makes a really nice paste, the crystals in the clay make a really great exfoliant.

STIMULATES
Kaolin is stimulating to the skin and with long term use, can offer a toned and tightened appearance.

GENTLE
Kaolin is a really gentle clay that can be used with any skin type, including those people with sensitivities to scrubs and cleansers.

Kaolin Clay Face Masks: 

Kaolin Clay And Green Tea Face Mask

You Will Need

1 tablespoon Kaolin clay

2 teaspoons green tea (cooled)

1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

2 drops lavender essential oil

Method

Mix Kaolin clay with green tea in a bowl.

Add aloe vera gel and lavender essential oil to the mixture. Stir to make a paste.

Apply it all over your face with a brush and leave it on for 5-10 minutes.

Clean it with lukewarm water and then splash your face with cold water.

Pat your face dry and follow up with a face serum.

Kaolin Clay And Avocado Face Mask

You Will Need

2 tablespoons Kaolin clay

1 teaspoon avocado (mashed)

3 tablespoons rosewater

Method

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and make a paste.

Apply the paste all over the face with a brush or your fingers.

Once it starts to dry (check for the color change), clean it with warm water.

Splash your face with cold water (to shrink the pores) and apply a face serum or moisturizer.

Kaolin Clay And Apple Cider Vinegar Face Mask

You Will Need

1 tablespoon Kaolin clay

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (use the one with mother)

1 drop frankincense essential oil

Method

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the eye area.

Let it sit for 10 minutes or until it dries.

Wash with warm water and then with cold water.

Apply a face moisturizer.

Kaolin Clay And Honey Face Mask

You Will Need

2 teaspoon Kaolin clay

1 teaspoon honey

1 tablespoon rose water

Method

Mix the clay, honey, and rose water.

Spread evenly on your face, avoiding the area around your eyes.

Let it dry for 10 minutes.

Wash with warm water and then splash your face with cold water.

References:
Aspen. “10 Beauty Benefits of Kaolin Clay for Skin, Hair and More.” Beautymunsta. N.p., 20 Dec. 2016. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.

Charl. “What is Kaolin Clay? Benefits, Powder, Skin, Side Effects, Properties of China /White Clay.” DurableHealth. N.p., 19 May 2016. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.

“KAOLIN: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings.” WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.

“Minerals.net.” Kaolinite: The clay mineral kaolinite information and pictures. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.

Other Names: China Clay